Dear Sister Katy: I'm very sorry Jenny lost her mother, but her attitude is off base. At 25, it's time for her to grow up and stop making selfish, childish threats she will regret.

While I agree that marriage should be "for life," her parents' marriage did last for life -- the life of her mother. That she would begrudge her father continuing to live his life is cruel and wrong.

If she cuts him out of her life, she will deprive her future children of a relationship with a loving grandparent, and that would be a shame.

Dear Abby: I have a manners dilemma. I was raised in a home where "Yes, ma'am" and, "No, sir" were expected, and I have used that respectful form of address throughout my life. Yes, I grew up in the South.

Six months ago, my husband and I moved north with our two children for job relocation.

My co-workers are giving me a hard time about my constant use of "ma'am" and "sir." They feel offended!

I have tried to respect their requests not to say it to them. Some are my age, younger or older, but I'm used to saying it to everyone, all the time. It simply rolls off my tongue.

I sense that upper management and my supervisor like being addressed that way. But what do you suggest I do with the rest of my co-workers? -- Ol'-Fashioned In Ohio

Dear Ol'-Fashioned: I suggest you explain to your co-workers, as you have to me, that using this respectful form of address is a custom you were raised with. And because old habits are hard to break, that they please cut you some slack because you are trying to offend no one.